Overview

The Rooster Rock approach to Table Rock takes a bit longer than the standard approach, but provides some great views. It also provides access to Rooster Rock as well as the stone Pechuck Lookout (by way of a short side trip). It also avoids the unpleasant road walk which the standard route begins with.

The Drive

From Molalla, head east towards Estacada on Highway 211. Go a half mile and turn right onto S. Mathias Road. Go 0.3 mi and turn left on S. Feyrer Park Road. Go 1.6 mi and turn right onto S. Dickey Prairie Road. Take this 5.3 miles to an unsigned junction and turn right, crossing the Molalla River. Follow this paved road,along the Molalla river 12.3 miles to a junctoon where the paved road forks right and a gravel road goes left. There will be a sign for the Table Rock Trailhead on the left fork. Ignore this and turn right crossing the Middle Fork Molalla River. Drive about 0.6 miles to a junction with Rooster Rock Road on the right. Follow Rooster Rock Road 6.2 miles to its end at the trailhead.

Route Description

From the Rooster Rock trailhead, the trail enters a second growth forest, and will very loosely follow an old logging road as it ascends 800 ft. to gain a ridge, Where there is an unmarked junction with the High Ridge Trail.

For a worthwhile side trip, turn right at this Junction to visit the historic Pechuck Lookout. It is the only remaining stone fire lookout in Oregon.

To get to Table and Rooster Rocks, turn left at the junction and continue 0.7 mile to another unmarked junction in a meadow just past Rooster Rock. Turn right onto the Saddle Trail at a switchback and cross over a ridge. From here the trail steeply descends 500 feet through an old growth forest in a series of short switchbacks. The trail then follows the ridge between Rooster and Table Rocks with several minor ups and downs, passing some giant ant hills and a few viewpoints. At roughly 1.5 miles from the meadow junction you will arrive at a Junction with the main Summit Trail. Head straight and uphill onto this unmarked trail and follow it 0.5 mile to the top where beargrass and views of clearcuts await you.

One Way trip is 3.5 miles with approximately 2200 feet elevation gain

Essential Gear

None needed in summer. Snowshoes would be beneficial in winter.

Images

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